David Moyes: Everton are starting to Jel

I definitely think he has had a psychological effect. He has given the players an all-round lift because we have been badly needing a different type of centre-forward for a couple of seasons

David Moyes

The Toffees have lost just two of their last 15 games in all competitions, which has seen them reach the FA Cup semi-finals and rise to seventh in the Premier League.

Jelavic, 26, has played in nine of those games since his £5m deadline-day move from Rangers in January.

The Croatian striker may have only bagged three goals so far, but Moyes has praised the lift the former Rangers man has given the Toffees.

He said: “I definitely think he has had a psychological effect. He has given the players an all-round lift because we have been badly needing a different type of centre-forward for a couple of seasons.

“I think he has shown he has something to prove as well. He has scored in the Scottish league and played in Austria.

“To come into the Premier League is a step up, so he has played as if he has something to show.

“He’s scored a few and missed a few, but I think his general all-round play has helped the team get better.

“He’s a bit of a silent assassin really.”

Meanwhile, Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy admits his five years at Everton made him the player he is today.

Ruddy, 25, who made just one appearance as understudy to Tim Howard, said: “My time at Everton was massive for me.

“I was at an early stage in my career so everything was a big learning curve.

“But the high quality of the training and coaching at Everton was a huge benefit.

“My time there, under goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, was fantastic.

“Unfortunately things didn’t work out for me there but I would never have a bad word to say about the club.”